Fantastic! I wish more people knew this.

Hmm.

I agree with most of this.

I do what's called review hopping - I pick a story or chapter for the day. I read it. I review, then check out the other reviews. If you can write a good review, chances are you can write good work as well. And so I manage to discover a lotta good writers I otherwise wouldn't.

It's possibly the most frustrating thing when people read but don't review. I have about 200 hits for my latest work - but 6 reviews.

Anyhow, good job.

Again, I agree. I hope that all new reviewers take a look at this essay. Not only does it provide helpful hints, but it tells you what not to do. I especially agree with the point of reviewing every chapter.
One thing that I think could be added to this essay would be that flames are also unhelpful. Flames usually consist of “this sux.” That, though it might lower an author’s overgrown ego, is very unhelpful. What can be done to help the author is to comment on what specifically made that story “bad.” Use examples from the text, quote the author and say what is wrong with the sentence and why it doesn’t help the story. Also, you should always start and end with a complement. This makes an ok review into a good review. Some people would take the review just because they appreciate constructive criticism, while others would be terribly offended and go on and on about how they hate “flames.”
Overall, I think that this essay is very helpful and well put together! Very good job, and please keep on writing!
Best of wishes ~Anyaananda

I couldn't agree more with what you said in this piece. I'm probably repeating what too many others already said in their reviews to this "essay", but I don't care cuz I don't feel like reading them all. I know one thing though: I can't stand getting reviews on my pieces that really don't tell me any real opinion on it. In other words, reviews that don't even tell me if the reviewee actually read the story! In every review I write, I have something to say. If I don't have anythinc clear to say, then I just don't write one. I hope more people on this site read this essay so that dedicated writers can finally get the constructive reviews they deserve.
Bobby Black

this little piece was short and effective ;) thanks for writing it! from now on i will be a little bit more careful about the reviews i post. many times i type 'cuz' instead of 'because' in my reviews, and write fragments instead of whole sentences. i'll watch out ;) keep writing!

This is great! Write more!

I'm just kidding. I really like that you wanted to talk about reviewing. After I update my fanfiction story I get all sorts of reviews, and most of them say "ur good keep writing." I like the ego boost, I really do, but I want to get better too.

I like the essay, it's clear and consise. I think that there are places where you could add an interesting comment or too.

The essay seems to be orgainized in two different ways, you might want to shy away from that in the future. Not only is it confusing, it cuts off your flow.

Thanks for writing this, I'm putting it on my favorites. Hopefully more people will read this and realize "Hey, that's what that little review button thingy is for!"

~*~thegildedrose~*~

I completely agree. I wish those that reviewed my work would give me some feedback, be it good or otherwise. I honestly could care less if the person hated it and wishes literature into firey pits of eternal doom, as long as they leave a review saying so. I especially hate the reviews say "This was good, update soon" mainly because my ego increases none from those. If any thing it makes me feeling like a failure because I didn't conjure up any emotion. All they allow is for me to know that someone is reading me story. Woo-hoo. Overall, the essay was written well. You conveyed your points clearly and made valid arguments. At some parts your format was off (I'm going by MLA standers here), such as the contractions and whatnot. But hey, its not like you're English grade depends on it. Congrats on your writting skills. You should kick ass in college.

This is absolutely true! Though I dont post much of my own work nowadays I always want to leave a review. Though to be honest, I'm one of those person who writes, "This is great, write more!" And then leave it with a "_" but now that i read this i'll make an effort to put some more in my reviews. Since as a fellow writer, i know the joys of a well written review.

But sometimes, i cant express myself really well besides saying i like it. Nevertheless, i'll try some points that you mentioned.

Happy to read this. _

~Rheia

i like, i'm tired, and i'm adding to my favourites... :P

ok, i'll give it a go...

"Are they of any use to the author other than as a small ego boost? Probably not."

Definetely a point to make, especially with fanfiction, when often they're the only comments left to an author by his/her readers.

Your closing paragragh was very effective and brought everything together nicely; it was what my english teacher would call a highly effective conclusion... (yay, go you!)

and i've got a question: what do you think about little smiley things, eg: :D, in reviews?

...*yawns* how'd i go?

I think that in this essay you gave many good points and facts that I can't argue with. It's very inspiring, and gives a whole new perspective to reviewing. Great advice. I'll try to take it in heed. (Am I doing well so far?)

This is great! Write more! :-)

I agreed with most of your advice. One of my reviewers has gotten into a habit of pointing out her favorite line from the chapter, and that's always good...helps me know I do possess *some* sense of humor. She also once examined one of my original characters in her reviews. She gets the Outstanding Reviewer Award.

I disagree about the spelling and grammar, but that's only because I'm not very picky. As long as it's intelligible (I've gotten one or two that made me think the reviewer was drunk), it's good.

And about reviewing every chapter. I don't usually do that, just because I can never seem to find anything to say. Other than "This was good".

A very useful and informative essay, though I think the idea for having the review screen up by the side would work best for essays, as when you are reading a story you want ot get swept into it ad not have to keep coming out to write.

Very well written.

You made many good points. I agree with your thoughts. As much as I love reviews that say "I love this! Keep writing!", it doesn't help really with my writing. It just helps the ol' ego. I myself try to list what I like, and what I don't. Fanfiction stories, I believe, are much more easy to review because a person knows how the character is supposed to act, or what not. Anyway, good work on the essay. Hopefully this review was up to par.

-Frodo

Thanks for the tips. I have a really hard time reviewing stories, and your tips will really help me. One question, what is a canon mistake?

Anyway, thanks for the great reference material.